Former Prison Watchdog Chair Convicted of Smuggling Contraband for Inmates
Jail watchdog chair smuggled in so much contraband for inmate lovers that she called herself 'the prison version of Deliveroo'

Image: Mail Online
Helen Spree, 63, former chair of the independent monitoring board at Walton jail in Liverpool, was found guilty of smuggling contraband, including drugs and mobile phones, for three inmates with whom she had inappropriate relationships. Her actions included exchanging explicit messages and sensitive prison information.
- 01Helen Spree was in a position to monitor the humane treatment of inmates but abused her role to smuggle contraband.
- 02She engaged in relationships with three inmates, including Dylan Westall, who is serving a life sentence for manslaughter.
- 03Spree referred to her smuggling activities as being 'the prison version of Deliveroo'.
- 04The investigation into her conduct began after 78 reports of her inappropriate relationships with inmates.
- 05Spree has admitted to multiple counts of misconduct and conspiracy to convey banned items into the prison.
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Helen Spree, 63, the former chair of the independent monitoring board at Walton jail in Liverpool, has been convicted of smuggling contraband for three inmates, including drugs and mobile phones. Spree, who held a position meant to ensure humane treatment of prisoners, instead engaged in inappropriate relationships with inmates, notably Dylan Westall, who is serving a life sentence for manslaughter. Over a period from December 2019 to August 2021, she exchanged explicit messages and shared sensitive information about prison operations with the inmates. The court heard that Spree even described her contraband deliveries as being akin to 'the prison version of Deliveroo'. An investigation was prompted by numerous reports of her over-familiarity with inmates, leading to her arrest in August 2021. Following her arrest, evidence from her phone and home revealed the extent of her misconduct. Spree has pleaded guilty to several charges, including misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to supply cannabis. Sentencing for her and the involved inmates is set for Tuesday.
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The case raises concerns about the integrity of prison monitoring systems and the potential for abuse of power by individuals in trusted positions.
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